WHY US?

The world requires innovation and wild ideas — now more than ever.
Along the shores of Lake Superior, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs are crafting the future.

WE’RE THE SMARTEST & HARDEST WORKING COMMUNITY IN THE MIDWEST.
Our public schools are ranked top in the state because children here grow up in a community driven by learning.

COLLABORATION DRIVES INNOVATION.
Our community is progressive for one reason – we work together! We don’t “wear hats” and respect all ideas.  It’s never a matter of “if” we can do it – it’s a matter of “how” we’re going to work together to figure that out.

CHANGING THE WORLD WITH STEM INNOVATION.
Don’t let our small towns and low cost of living fool you. Some of the most progressive innovators, companies, educators and researchers are changing the world right here in the Upper Peninsula.

PEOPLE LEARN WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE.
We move beyond classrooms and books to teach and share a basic principle of hands-on learning. From kindergarten to post-grads, our students apply what they learn through real-world applications and the sharing of ideas.

WHERE WILD IDEAS BECOME WILDLY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
Whether we’re researching how to propel satellites into orbit more quickly, how to diagnose critical diseases with a single drop of blood, or measuring the velocity of a turbine engine, we are relentless at solving problems and pushing limits.

COMMUNITY

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
Our region has the highest ranking education system in the Midwest. We are committed to education, so we invest in our children and in our schools. And our commitment doesn’t end with high school. We have leading-edge research universities too.

COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT HERE.
Innovation Shore is one of America’s last true traditional small and safe towns. We live where neighbors help each other out with no expectations. Community is family. Crime rates are one of the lowest in the country.

PLAY

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER.
With more than 1,000 miles of untouched shoreline and trails that span hundreds of miles, we live where most people dream of vacationing. A kayak lunch or afternoon mountain bike is right outside any door.

WELCOME TO THE WINTER WONDERLAND.
The ruggedness, remoteness and snow are as extreme as the people who live here. We crave adventure and fresh air — they feed our innovation.

SMALL TOWN VIBE.
Just because we live in a “remote” area doesn’t mean we don’t have the means to shop, dine out, and enjoy live entertainment like everyone else. Boutiques, restaurants, salons, specialty stores, and entertainment venues are plentiful in both Houghton and Hancock downtowns.